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In American football, a touchback is a ruling that is made and signaled by an official when the ball becomes dead on or behind a team's own goal line (i.e., in their end zone) and the opposing team gave the ball the momentum, or impetus, to travel over or across the goal line but did not have possession of the ball when it became dead. [1]
If the offense is marching downfield and trying to score, but turns the ball over in the opponent's end zone, a touchback will be called. There are three ways that this can occur. First, the quarterback throws an interception that is caught by a defender in their own end zone.
Jan 28, 2024 · With the league having altered the rules, it’s important you all understand exactly what a “touchback” is in the NFL and how it works.
- Paul Rudder
Dec 14, 2023 · A touchback in football transfers possession to the defending team after the ball is dead in their end zone. The placement of the ball after a touchback varies between kickoffs and punts. Touchback rules are designed to discourage risky plays, enhancing player safety and influencing game strategy.
Feb 23, 2023 · A touchback occurs when the ball is caught reasonably within the end zone, so naturally; they usually happen from kickoffs. In that event, the receiving team will line up with the ball from their 25-yard line. Outside of kickoffs, the ball will start from the 20-yard line.
May 23, 2023 · A touchback gives the offensive team possession on their 20-yard line and 25-yard line in college. In American football -- especially at the college football and professional levels -- often kicks the ball into the opponent's end zone.
Touchback is a term used in American football to describe when a player receives a kickoff or punt from behind their own goal line and then proceeds to down the ball in their end zone, instead of trying to return the ball.
